(HT)
Two more Ganga ghats spanning across 5km will be constructed for Ardh Kumbh fair scheduled to be held in Haridwar in 2027 in a bid to ensure maximum devotees take the Ganga dip on major festive occasions, officials said.
According to irrigation secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, who recently inspected Kumbh Mela area in Haridwar and Rishikesh as part of mega arrangements for Ardh Kumbh fair, in two sections new Ganga ghats stretching 5km will be developed specifically for the fair.
“As Ardh Kumbh fair in 2027 is to be organised at the scale of Maha Kumbh fair, amenities and infrastructure have to be boosted. Five kilometre long Ganga ghats will be made, with 3.5km from Mayapur Barrage toll to Jatwada Pull in Jwalapur and 2km at Bairagi Camp side. Our viewpoint is to interconnect all the ghats and renovate the existing ghats. Safety of pilgrims is of paramount importance and scientific approach will be considered in design and development of new ghats,” said secretary Irrigation department Dr R Rajesh Kumar.
In addition to this new bridges on Ganga canal will also be constructed for Ardh Kumbh fair.
Official said one bridge at Khadkhadi on Sukhi rivulet and other at Dhanauri-SIIDCUL road will be built adjacent to current 170 year old bridge. “Also 26km road falling under irrigation department will also be constructed ahead of Ardh Kumbh fair. For successful hosting of Ardh Kumbh fair all department and nodal agencies need to gear up and ensure proper planning, submission of proposals and time bound execution of projects meant for Ardh Kumbh Mela,” added secretary irrigation Rajesh.
District magistrate Kamendra Singh added that already couple of departmental meetings have been held for preparations related with Ardh Kumbh fair.
Along with department officials meetings on-site inspection and survey is also being done.
